My Mission: From Seabed to Summit

Hi, I’m Katie - hydrographer, scuba diver, hiker, women's leadership mentor, ocean advocate, and future polar explorer. I’ve spent the last 15 years of my career travelling the world, mapping our oceans; often in depths up to 2500m using the most advanced subsea technologies in the industry. Now, I'm setting my sights on the most remote, extreme, and awe-inspiring place on Earth: Antarctica.

I have been selected to join the 2026 Sea Women Expedition Team; an ocean research and leadership program focused on advancing subsea exploration and research to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and support women's leadership development in the STEM fields. This expedition is a 24-day journey from 14 February 2026 - 10 March 2026, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island, Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle; all onboard the world's first-registered Polar Class 6 Vessel.

Sea Women Expeditions have assembled 25 leading female experts from around the world, including scientists, divers, engineers, hydrographers, and researchers to conduct pioneering ocean research; immersing ourselves in polar waters and participating in a unique leadership program to inspire global change.

Training for the Journey Ahead

Preparing for Antarctica requires both mental and physical endurance. To ensure I’m ready for the extreme conditions of the expedition I'll be swapping out my scuba fins for hiking boots: taking on the physically demanding and challenging Haute Route Hike during summer 2025! This 215km trek from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, spans 14 days, crosses 11 high-altitude mountain passes, and climbs over 14,000m in elevation. It will push my resilience, strength, and determination—essential qualities for polar exploration. By taking on this challenge, I’m not only preparing myself for Antarctica but also using it as an opportunity to raise awareness and funding for the expedition, whilst inspiring the next generation to embrace exploration and fearlessly step into leadership roles.

Why Antarctica? Why This Expedition?

"It is in our nature to explore, to reach out into the unknown. The only true failure would be not to explore at all." - Sir Ernest Shackleton

Antarctica represents the ultimate test of endurance and exploration. It is a place that has drawn the world’s greatest adventurers, including Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose legendary journey of leadership and survival continues to inspire both myself and those who dare to venture into the unknown.

Being part of the Sea Women Expedition Team means more than just traveling to Antarctica - it embodies my lifelong commitment to ocean exploration, research, and advocacy for women in STEM. I have spent my career working at sea, striving to ensure that women have a voice in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. This expedition is an opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped me, and to inspire the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Beyond leadership, this journey aligns with my deep passion for ocean research. During the expedition, we will be conducting critical studies on the impacts of climate change and marine wildlife in one of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet. Backed by scientific permits, and in collaboration with university partners, our collected data will contribute to global efforts in understanding and protecting our oceans - a cause that fills me with immense purpose.

Why I Need Your Support

The Sea Women Expedition is more than just a journey to Antarctica - it's a mission to advance ocean science and global efforts to protect our planet's most fragile ecosystems. An expedition of this scale requires significant resources to make it a reality and is entirely self-funded by it's participants; meaning that every contribution goes directly toward making this vital research and leadership initiative possible. Funding will help cover:

✅ Expedition fees and vessel costs

✅ Essential gear and survival equipment

✅ Scientific permits for plankton collection and invertebrate studies

✅ Scuba Diving activities for ocean research

✅ Outreach efforts to share this journey and inspire future explorers

Ways You Can Support

Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. By supporting me, you’re not just helping one person; you’re fuelling a movement of exploration, education, and empowerment.

For larger contributions I'll be adding a rewards program for both individuals and corporate donations:

Individual Supporter Perk (£500+):

For individuals who generously contribute £500 or more, you will receive:

✔ A personal, handwritten thank-you message expressing my gratitude for your support.

✔ Recognition on my expedition social media as a key supporter of Seabed to Summit.

✔ Exclusive expedition updates shared with my top supporters, offering insights into my journey.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

I’m seeking corporate sponsorships from businesses and organisations that align with exploration, technology, and women's leadership. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable brand exposure while supporting an important mission.

️Base Camp Sponsor (£1,000-£2,500)

✔ Company name on my GoFundMe page

✔ Company logo featured on my social media

✔ Recognition as a supporter of the expedition

Glacier Sponsor (£5,000+)

✔ All Base Camp perks, plus:

✔ Dedicated social media post about your business

✔ Behind-the-scenes updates from Antarctica

✔ Private article written about the expedition for your company to feature

️Summit Sponsor (£10,000+)

✔ All Glacier perks, plus:

✔ Exclusive company branding on a banner in Antarctica

✔ Mention in any press/media coverage on my journey

✔ Private Post-Expedition talk and Q&A for your company

How You Can Help Right Now

✅ Donate – Every contribution helps me get one step closer to Antarctica.

✅ Share – Spread the word! Share this campaign on social media, with friends, or with businesses that might want to sponsor.

✅ Sponsor – If you’re a business, let’s collaborate! Contact me to discuss partnership opportunities.

Join me in making this adventure a reality. Let’s go from Seabed to Summit - together!

#SeabedToSummit #AntarcticaExpedition #Exploration #Leadership #WomenInSTEM